Monte Calamita Sud

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It's best to park in Capoliveri to access this trail. From the parking lot at the end of Strada Provinciale 31 (SP31), continue south on via Luperini for about a quarter mile. Consider making this part of the Giro del Monte Calamita (Circumnavigation of Calamita Mountain) loop.

The terrain is pretty dry and most of the trail is quite exposed, so bring plenty of sunscreen and maybe avoid the middle of the day in high summer. Elba is however a viable option in the winter when many of the higher trails on the Italian peninsula (or further north) will be inaccessible due to snow.

This easy gravel road rounds its way 2/3 of the way around Monte Calamita at an altitude the varies between 150 and 200 m (500 and 700 ft). It features excellent views of the south cost of the Island of Elba as well as other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. On a clear day, you can see Corsica.

Particularly as you near the southern reaches of the trail, the area was used for mining. (You likely arrived at Portoferraio, literally Iron Port). There is a mining museum with some old mining equipment at about the 3.5-mile mark.

As you turn towards the north at the 5.5-mile mark, you'll pass by some vineyards and some other agricultural lands. This also marks the point at which you begin the climb towards the crown of Monte Calamita.

Once you reach the end of this trail at a four-way intersection, it's worth doing the Monte Calamita Cima (Calamita Mountain Peak) loop which takes you on a tour of the crown of Monte Calamita through a thicker forest (with some shade). Once you're done exploring the top, you can continue steeply downhill on Buzzancone.